Tough Times Ahead

[Jimd]

Rant mode is most definitely on.....

Just found out that my wife's claim for unemployment until the fall has been denied. She's laid off from her job and will not be receiving any unemployment benefits. Their reason: she didn't earn enough money last year to qualify.



I'm mentally deflated at this point. All the years that she's paid in to our state's unemployment fund so that others could happily collect these benefits and now it's our turn, and we've been denied.



I'm pretty much at the "It's Almost Impossible To Deal With" stage right now. Normally, job stress and life stress make things difficult but tolerable, but this is over the top.



Since we moved into our house seven years ago, our taxes have increased by 300%. Gas prices, home heating oil prices, mortgage, car payments...all stuff we need to survive, no doubt about it.



And wherever I've gone to request help, the answer is always the same: "You make too much money to receive help." Well, I'll tell ya - it doesn't feel to me as if I make "too much" money. We sure as hell aren't rich or wealthy, that's for certain!



We shop for food where there are deals, taking advantage of discount stores and outlets whenever possible. We buy things as inexpensively as possible.



Even managed to stick away a few dollars over the past few months that she's been working. Not much, but it was a little something, "just in case".



We don't live lavishly; going out to eat occasionally is about our biggest thrill. Amusement parks, trips, movies, etc. are just about unheard of in our house. I carpool to work to save a little that way.



The thing is, we were starting to get back on our feet. Even put some quadruple payments on a few credit cards to start digging our way out of debt. And then......the refusal today. The kick in the teeth.



I emailed our state rep to see if he has any advice. I'm not expecting much there.



To top that all off, gasoline is expected to top $5 per gallon by July. Ain't that friggin' great?! I'm just really, really angry right now.

[rlw1979777]

I must quote my father. "Most days your lucky if you can break even."

I know it doesnt help, but for me a college student on a limited budget, spending money on food, is almost impossible. I guess the instinct is to cut back more and more. The United States is going to have a painful growth period and hopefully afterward our country will be better off. Doesnt make it any easier right now though. If it helps my friend, You are not ALONE.

[Jimd]

I must quote my father. "Most days your lucky if you can break even."

I know it doesnt help, but for me a college student on a limited budget, spending money on food, is almost impossible. I guess the instinct is to cut back more and more. The United States is going to have a painful growth period and hopefully afterward our country will be better off. Doesnt make it any easier right now though. If it helps my friend, You are not ALONE.


I appreciate the kind words.
I hear ya about it being tough to afford food. Ad to that many other bills while trying to support four people, and it gets downright frustrating (I know most people go through this).

I find it laughable that some are questioning whether or not we're in a recession. To me, it's a question of how much of a recession are we currently in.

I read something in the news that gas is expected to be at $5/gallon by July. Before we found out that we were financially SCREWED for the summer, we'd planned on taking a drive to the shore for a day to relax a bit. Now, that's out of the question completely, and that's at our current prices. $5/gallon? Forget it!

Currently, my little 4-cylinder car gobbles up about $60 worth of gas per week, and I only use it to drive back and forth to work. And, I carpool with a coworker just to ease the pain. A few years ago, I spent $20/week on gas.

This gas & economic thing is kicking peoples' butts in a serious way. I hate to be a doomsayer, but we seem to be headed for trouble in this country. I hope something good happens soon.

[TheKnifeCollector]

The best I can do for you is pray for you!! I can't even begin to tell you how bad I feel with what you are going through. My heart hurts for you.

[raven]

Hei Big Jimd, PRAYERS SENT YOUR WAY BRO ;). I understand your frustration and these gas prices are RIDICULOUS :mad::mad:!!! I'm dreading all these follow-up visits to the doctor and physical therapist ... all out of town about 120 miles away :(. The PT will be a lot less painless than filling up the gas tank....Sheeeeesh :o. YOUR IN MY PRAYERS BRO THAT YOU'LL HAVE A STREAK OF GOOD FORTUNE. Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.

God Bless :)


-raven-

[tortoise]

Sorry to hear it brother. :(

Try to take a few deep breaths. Easy to say, not easy to do, I know.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember Job 38 and 39.

Keep the faith brother. :spyder:

[Jimd]

Thanks so much, all prayers are greatly appreciated.

[David Lowry]

Hey brother. Lean on me if you need to my man. You know how to reach me.

Sometimes one man cannot handle all that is put upon his shoulders and that is why we have friends and family.

I'll get with you about what we discussed in the recent past and we'll get something going.

In the mean time, keep your chin up knife bro. I know sometimes it's hard to put it in God's hands but you know how to do it.

We'll be in touch.

[psimonl]

Hello bro....

It's been a long time.....

I know you've been through a lot for the last years..... And I thought things were getting soothing calm.... Looks like not and I am very sad to read this...

As for money, well, I could say a few wise words, but they won't be of any help. All I can say is that as long as you stay true to yourself, you'll be able to sleep at night....

What does it mean?.... I don't really know in that situation, but my parents (I,m 37 yo) always told me that as long as you're able to get the sleep of the right hearted one, nothing can hurt you.....

I don't know, mate, all that money thing, taxes, gas, heating bills, welfare, is just a way for our government to tell us they screwed something up and we have to pay for the damages...!!!

Take care my friend,

Simon

[stonyman]

Jimid, you story is heartfelt and consistent with many now. More than what most consider poor, not enough to be considered rich! Those that bust their butt cannot expect a pat on the back or a helping hand to snap back quickly. Those that do not want to help themselves benefit from every benefit that our beloved country can dish out.

I will be praying for you to make it through. You my friend, just remember who it is you can lean on!;)

[Shike]

Jim:

I have been in that situation (about 3 years ago)when the plant where I worked for 22 years closed. Made a move to Fl. to find nothing, moved back on a job offer and things are now better than ever. What I am trying to say is keep your head up and maintain a positive outlook. Think positive and positive things will happen. I don't go around beating people over the head with a Bible, but in my hours of need God has always been a source of tranquility. May he help you also.
Best regards

Shike

[Hannibal Lecter]

My Dear Friend,

I truly hate what you are going through right now. Drop a note should you need to talk, and know that you and yours are in my prayers always...

--------
Hannibal

[Tank]

Hey Jim,
Sorry to hear whats going on, I frustrates me to know end when the Gov does that kind of S%#t.
A few years ago my wife and I were both on unemployment getting a whopping $740 a week combined and the state told us our income was to high get get any state assistance. And that was the income they were giving us. I had to work construction under the table (i am not much of a day laborer) to get some extra income.
As far as the gas goes....criminal. $125 got me only 3/4 of a tank:mad:

All I can say is hang in there bro..my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope things get better for you as quickly as possible.

[MacTech]

Jim, sorry for the rough patch you and the family are going through, tough times are never fun, you've beaten them in the past, and I have no doubt you'll beat them now, things may look insurmountable now, but just keep soldiering on, don't let life grind you down, things will get better

good thoughts/karma sent your way, you'll get through this :)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, IMO, the entire U.S. system needs (in computer terms) a Repartitioning, a Wipe-and-Reformat, and a reinstall from the last known-good backup, and if that doesn't work, a clean reinstall from the original System disks....

[A.P.F.]

Good analogy, MacTech. Format C: /U (Unconditional format of country.)

Jim, you have my most sincere hopes and wishes for a successful recovery. Having been completely wiped out twice, I do know how difficult things can be. Poverty is an adversary that attacks your state of mind. Defeat it there first and you will be on your way to recovery.

[Burchtree]

I'm sorry to hear about that. :(

You know what usually cheers me up? A new blade. I've got a mini-Dyad that I haven't used in quite some time (plus it bit the hell out of me when I first got it, so I don't think it likes me :D) Shoot me your address and it is yours.

[psimonl]

I'm sorry to hear about that. :(

You know what usually cheers me up? A new blade. I've got a mini-Dyad that I haven't used in quite some time (plus it bit the hell out of me when I first got it, so I don't think it likes me :D) Shoot me your address and it is yours.

Just five posts and... and....

You are a truely gentleman...!!!

If a were a believer, I'd say God bless you....

Take care Burchtree.....

Simon

[David Lowry]

Mighty nice of you Burchtree.

Jim, take him up on it bro. You need it.

[A.P.F.]

That is very generous, Burchtree. May your kindness come back to you threefold.

[bluemist]

I used to be a pessimist but since almost everything I predicted while I was a pessimist is now coming true I'm turning to optimism.. here's to hoping that the USA does not devolve into a North American Free Trade Zone and that high gas prices will benefit the environment and that the weak USD will bring production back into the US and away from CHINA.

and faith is the assurance of things hoped for.............

[tonydahose]

Jim, best of luck for you and yours through this difficult time. hang in there.

[Vincent]

Socialism rapes the middle class, which Is why I hate it and think we should rid ourselves of it.

Jim your a strong man and I know you and your family will get through the tough times.

[DAYWALKER]

Yo Jim,

Hey hang in there bro...I know you have gone through MUCH worse and ya made it.;)

FWIW, prayers sent always, and take care.
God bless.

[Jimd]

Thanks for the well wishes and the prayers, everyone.

Burchtree - I'm speechless. Thank you so much for your incredibly generous offer!

[Burchtree]

Not a problem at all. Shoot me your address when possible. :)

[Jimd]

Anyone have a pic or a link to the Mini-Dyad? I don't know what one looks like, and I'm kinda psyched to get this one.
Burchtree, thank you again so much, it's an incredible gesture!

[buglerbilly]

Anyone have a pic or a link to the Mini-Dyad? I don't know what one looks like, and I'm kinda psyched to get this one.
Burchtree, thank you again so much, it's an incredible gesture!

here you go Jim, nice looking twin blade............

http://www.heinnie.com/spyder/sc39.jpg

I've been in the same spot as you are now Jim and its tough, its bloody tough BUT there are a surprisingly large number of people who will always support a fellow worker even if its only in words and thoughts, it all helps.

Keep strong mate!

Regards,

BRIAN

[Jimd]

Brian, thanks for the pic! What a cool knife!

My daughter is going on a camping trip in about a week. If it gets here in time, I may let her take this one along with her. Looks like a very utilitarian knife that's small enough for a teenager to use without much danger. A great knife to have around for all times.

I also like that it has a serrated blade and a straight blade - the best of both worlds!

Thanks again for the support, guys.

[Jimd]

Mr. Burch, the knife arrived today. Thank you so much!! It's a cool, little knife! This is the first double-bladed Spyderco that I've owned.

It feels very versatile, able to handle a wide variety of tasks. I'll let you guys know how it measures up. Thanks again!

[Burchtree]

enjoy the blade! It bit me again while I was cleaning it up, so be careful! :D

[Jimd]

enjoy the blade! It bit me again while I was cleaning it up, so be careful! :D

Thus far, it's behaving; no biting attacks, lol!

[jimbo@stn24]

Nicely done Burchtree.

For what it is worth Jim, all the best your way from up north. Count on prayers being said for the family and you.

[ront]

Jim, I don't get around here like I used to but just wanted to say that we are praying for you also. The situation that you are finding yourself in is not good and it is one that far too many other Americans are also finding themselves in. I fear that there are tough times ahead for out whole country!! I am not sure what is going on, but it is not good.

Take care, Ron

[snuffaluff]

Hey Jim,

Sorry to hear of your predicament. I'll add you to my prayer list brother. Place your trust in Him and look for that silver lining!

[Jimd]

Hey Jim,

Sorry to hear of your predicament. I'll add you to my prayer list brother. Place your trust in Him and look for that silver lining!

Thank you so, so much!